Anxiety/paranoia after negative HIV test?

Apr 30, 2007

After a bad experience, I have had 4 negative HIV test at 12 weeks, 3 months & two at 6 months. Yet I am still paranoid that somehow the virus may still be lurking dorment. I now have not had sex with my wife for 8 months for fear of passing something on. I still feel I need another test at 9 months. I have some rational days when I convince myself I'm ok, but still plenty of irrational days. Surely I don't need another HIV test do I? Surely it's bad anxiety/paranoia?

Response from Dr. Frascino

Hi,

The only thing lurking and not very "dorment" at the moment is your anxiety, guilt and paranoia over your "bad experience." Your fears are completely irrational and unwarranted. Your repeatedly negative HIV tests out to six months are definitive and conclusive. HIV is not your problem. No way. No how.

My advice:

1. Level with your wife. It's not only the best way to confront your guilt; it's also the right thing to do.

2. Make up for those past eight months of no nookie!

3. Get counseling to help you confront your irrational fears, your anxiety and your paranoia.

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